- I took it from there because I saw two words. "Wolf princess." - He pointed his finger at the pages in my hand. - What kind of serious secret is that? - he sneered at me. We promised each other we wouldn't keep anything from each other. But this is the only thing I hadn't planned on telling any living soul. Unfortunately, now that secret is out in the open. Firstly, I didn't want everyone to treat me differently, and secondly, if the wrong people found out about it, I would probably suffer the same fate as my family in the very near future - death.
- Throughout my life, I never told anyone about this. I made sure that all the people who could have known about me are long forgotten and in their graves. I ask you for one thing, not a word to anyone. - He sent me an offended look, as if I suddenly didn't trust him, even though we'd known each other for so long and he'd never betrayed me. - Only Em knows I'm a werewolf minus you and Rafael. If everyone found out about that other fact...
- Get it out of your system. - He faced me and crossed his arms over his chest. I looked into his eyes and decided that I would start dropping facts one by one.
- He's looking for me. - He laughed as if I had sold him an incredibly funny joke.
- Oh God... You're kidding. Like, for you? Tell me who he's really looking for. When you were reading those cards, I realized you know this person, so there's no point in hiding who it is. But I have to tell you, I laughed like never before. - He grabbed his stomach, but when he didn't find any hilarity in my face, he took a step back and his eyes were the size of two dimes. - No, you're not kidding at all.
- I wish I was. But that's not all. He's looking for me because...
- Because? - Apparently he didn't connect the information on the card to his knowledge.
- My name is Rosa Rike. Daughter of Torsten and Svala Rike. - I took a deep breath and continued my nervous speech: - Has it never occurred to you why my blood works this way and yours doesn't? Never thought why you live so long? When you found me when we were still children, you were embraced by one of my gifts. A thank you, for saving my life. I didn't know I possessed such a thing, and controlling anything is not even mentioned. After my first transformation, I noticed I could do things other werewolves couldn't. Gifts came and went. It took me many years to figure out what that was all about. They were only glimpses anyway, since most hadn't activated permanently yet. - I lifted my gaze to him, which I had lowered when I spoke my true identity. He stood there pale as a white wall and chained to the concrete. As he processed what I had told him, I could see with the naked eye the cogs in his head working at top speed.
- I always suspected you had something of a witch in you. Because the wizard who helps us only treats you well. He either ignores me or is incredibly arrogant and cocky. I didn't expect this turn of events my queen. - After his last comment he earned a punch in the arm and started laughing. He said that on purpose!
- You asshole! Forget I ever said anything to you if you talk to me like that!
- Oh, sweetheart... Don't be so nervous, or your vein will pop. - he smacked his lips. He started laughing at my irritated expression. He came up to me and put his arm around my shoulder, saying: - You have my word that no one will hear about this from my mouth. You yourself will choose the right moment to tell everyone. I myself have a lot behind my back and I would not like my family to find out from a third person. However, now that Em is my mate I have to tell them everything. I don't want to pressure you, but if you're going to stay here, I would advise you to do the same.
- I know. - I sighed, laying my head on his shoulder. - But you know very well yourself that it's not as easy as it seems.
- Do you have any weapons? - I asked after a moment of silence that had passed between us.
- Yes. - He confirmed, thanks to which my plan born just now is closer to fulfillment.
- Great. I have two things to do with this. Will you get me my favorite things? And two. How about a little sparring now and then? - He smiled at me and said he'd check out what he had in his collection. He knows very well what I like, that is: throwing daggers, daggers on thigh straps, two katanas for my back and a bow with a quiver. He was already at the elevators when he turned to me with a question on his lips:
- Do you have your uniform? - He meant the clothes used in our profession. Everyone has to cover their face, I did too. When I got out of my profession, I hid the clothes because I didn't need them to be happy. However, I didn't throw them away. I don't know if it was out of sentiment or because my mind hinted that they might still be useful someday.
- I do, but it's buried deep in the basement in one of the boxes.
- I'll bring it to you. It's better to have it close. It might come in handy. Now that this guy's looking for you, we're blowing cold.
- Wait, wait, wait. I can go get it myself. Why should I take advantage of you? - I asked with furrowed brows and he smiled slyly.
- I doubt that the BIG BAD ALFA would let you out of the house once you fell into his trap. Especially since he thinks of you as a helpless and powerless little human being. - the blood inside me boiled. When Daniel saw my expression, he immediately fled the roof. I headed for the elevators where he had just disappeared, because I figured I'd find out for myself if I was really forbidden to leave.

**********

- What do you mean? Who gave such an order that I can't even put my little toe out on the damn lawn?! - I yelled at the two people standing in the entrance. They're not the only ones, every exit is flanked by two guards.
- Alpha gave the order. We are to keep you in the confines of the building and not let you out of here unless Alpha says otherwise. - for fuck's sake! FUCKING LORD AND MASTER! If I get my hands on him, I'm gonna beat the shit out of his mangy fur! I get the urge to scream in their faces that I'm a werewolf and they don't need to handle me like an egg. Maybe then they'd give me a break from such nonsense.